Earthworks are being undertaken on a wall of the farm dam at Scenic Hill Road  to mitigate the risk from a leak identified this morning.

Earlier today the residents of about 100 properties located below the dam site, south of the Huonville bridge, were advised by Police and SES to relocate until the dam is determined to be safe.

An excavator is being used to increase the size of the dam’s spillway; this will lower the water level of the dam and relieve pressure on the dam wall.

The farm dam, which is on private land, is approximately one hectare in size.  It contains up to 20 megalitres of water.

When the water level is sufficiently reduced, the Huon Valley Council and  the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment will re-assess the safety of the dam.

It is anticipated the water in the dam will be at a safe level by 7pm.  Police will advise when it is safe for residents to return to their homes. 

A Recovery Centre has been established at the Huon Valley Police and Community Youth Club to assist any residents who have been temporarily displaced.  The telephone number for the Recovery Centre is 6264 3115.

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